Back to School Bargains

'Tis the season! In a few short weeks school busses will begin their routes and classroom doors will open. While parents may look forward to the return of back to school routines, the annual shopping spree for supplies often runs into a budget-buster, especially for large families.

What's a mom or dad to do? Try these shopping destinations to help your child be ready with all supplies at bargain prices. You can tackle the supply list without breaking the bank!

Dollar Stores

Every community has one, it seems. The best known dollar stores are Dollar Tree and Dollar General. Dollar stores can be great stops for school supplies. Composition books, pencils, erasers, scissors, and crayons are just a few items that can be found for a $1 price tag. Smaller items may be priced at two for $1. Be sure to pick up a few added items such as a box of facial tissues and a hand sanitizer.

Unless you are outfitting the neighborhood, you will want to do your dollar store shopping in person. Online options for Dollar Tree require purchase of items by the case.

Big Box Office Supply Stores

With Staples and Office Max leading the way, the big box office supply stores run special weekly promotions throughout the month of August. Watch your Sunday newspaper flyers or check online for special "loss leader" bargains. Specific items such as glue sticks may be offered for as little as 1 cent. Unlike the dollar stores, the office supply stores will carry well-known name brand merchandise, and will have necessities such as calculators, printer paper and printer cartridges readily available. Office Max's website offers grade level supply lists which provide a great starting point for early shoppers.

Discount Department Store Chains

Walmart, Kmart, and Target top the list of discount chains that are geared up for back-to-school shopping. Like the major office supply chains, the discount stores feature back-to-school bargains each week in August to entice bargain shoppers through their doors. At Target, most school supplies are available in-store only rather than online. Kmart offers a mid-August special online, featuring free shipping on school supplies with a purchase of $49 or more. Walmart's website and kiosks within each store feature grade level shopping lists and well-stocked aisles of school supplies.

One advantage of shopping at the discount department store near you is that you may also be able to shop for school clothing or uniforms, sneakers, and stock up on socks and underwear for the new school year in a single stop.

Take a careful look at your child's back-to-school supply list and make the decision that fits your budget best.